The fall in unemployment last week was welcomed nationwide, But in Wandsworth, there has been a 4.9 percent increase in the number of 18 to 24 year olds who have been claiming JSA for more than a year in the borough. This government is failing these young people in our community, offering them no future.

The government are borrowing more money than planned and all to pay for their failed economic policies, with more young people left out of work for longer. The government must urgently adopt a plan for jobs and growth and avoid creating another lost generation. We risk side-lining this group of people, who did nothing to cause the economic crash and yet are feeling the effects of it the most. Since the last election in 2010, the divide between the rich and the poor is growing – a sure sign this government’s policies are not working.

The Prime Minister should recognise these figures, showing long-term youth unemployment continuing to grow. This is a direct consequence of the government's policy of putting people out of work in the public sector and stifling growth in the private sector. It's very worrying for Wandsworth, London and the UK. The government and Mayor need an urgent plan for growth and to get people off the dole and back to work.